Handle lock device

Abstract

To improve waterproofness of a handle lock device.SOLUTION: A handle lock device 1 includes a member to be operated (cylinder lock 3) that is rotationally operated by a user who possesses a regular key 2, an inner joint 4 that rotates integrally with the member to be operated, a contact holder 5 that rotates integrally with the inner joint 4, a switch unit 6 that is held by the contact holder 5, and a body 7 that forms an internal space 8 in which the member to be operated, the inner joint 4, the contact holder 5, and the switch unit 6 are accommodated in a state of being arranged in this order from one side to the other side in an axial direction. The body 7 has a joint support part 7a. An inner joint 4 is fitted to the joint support part 7a and rotatably supported by the joint support part 7a. The body 7 is provided with a drain hole 7a that allows the internal space 8 to communicate with the outside of the body 7 on one side in the axial direction with respect to the joint support portion 7c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering lock device. [Background technology]

[0002] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, in a vehicle locking device, a cylinder lock, a cam, and a rotor for contacts are arranged coaxially in that order within a body and rotate together. A movable contact held by the rotor and a fixed contact attached to the body constitute an electric current-carrying unit. When a key is inserted into the cylinder lock and rotated, the steering lock state is switched by the action of the cam, and the state of the electric current-carrying unit is switched by the displacement of the movable contact.

[0003] The interior of the body is divided into a space that houses the cam and a space that houses the rotor. The tip of the cam is inserted into a hole in the partition and connected to the rotor. To elastically support the cam on the rotor, a spring is fitted around the outer periphery of the tip of the cam and passes through the hole together with the tip. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3404250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When a locking device is applied to a motorcycle, the key hole of the cylinder lock is exposed to the outside at an angle to facilitate user operation. This makes the locking device susceptible to water damage during rainfall or when washing the vehicle. When water enters the locking device through the key hole, its own weight causes it to flow into the space housing the cam. A gap is formed between the tip of the cam and the hole, allowing the spring to pass through. Water may flow through this gap into the space housing the rotor and reach the electrically conductive part. If the electrically conductive part becomes wet, the locking device may not be able to fully perform its required functions, such as starting the engine.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to improve the waterproofing of a handlebar lock device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a handlebar lock device comprising: an operated member that is rotated by a user who possesses a legitimate key; an inner joint that rotates integrally with the operated member; a contact holder that rotates integrally with the inner joint; a switch unit that is held by the contact holder; and a body that forms an internal space that accommodates the operated member, the inner joint, the contact holder, and the switch unit lined up in this order from one axial side to the other, wherein the body has a joint support portion, the inner joint is fitted into the joint support portion and is rotatably supported by the joint support portion, and the body is provided with a drainage hole on the one axial side of the joint support portion that connects the internal space to the outside of the body.

[0008] According to the above configuration, the inner joint is rotatably supported by the joint support portion. The body is provided with a drain hole on one axial side of the joint support portion. Therefore, even if water enters the interior space of the body, the water is urged to drain to the outside of the body through the drain hole before passing through the gap between the inner joint and the joint support portion. This prevents water from reaching the switch portion, improving the waterproofness of the handlebar lock device, particularly the switch portion.

[0009] The joint support portion may be cylindrical, whereby the rotation of the inner joint fitted into the joint support portion can be supported by the joint support portion.

[0010] The inner joint may be supported by the joint support portion so as to be rotatable and slidable thereon, thereby making the gap between the inner joint and the joint support portion very narrow, and thus making it easier for water to be discharged through the drain hole.

[0011] The handle lock device may further include a spring having one end supported by the inner joint and the other end supported by the contact holder, and the inner joint may have a spring receiving portion on which the one end of the spring seats and a cylindrical wall portion covering the outer circumferential side of a portion of the spring, and the cylindrical wall portion may be fitted into the joint support portion.

[0012] According to the above configuration, the cylindrical wall portion is fitted to the joint support portion, and the spring is disposed on the inner periphery thereof. Compared to when the spring is disposed on the outer periphery of the cylindrical wall portion, the gap between the inner joint and the joint support portion can be kept narrow. In addition, the spring can be prevented from being exposed to water, and rust or corrosion of the spring can be prevented.

[0013] One axial end of the contact holder may be fitted into the other axial end of the joint support part, and the one end of the contact holder and the other end of the joint support part may form a labyrinth structure.

[0014] If the amount of water entering the body becomes excessive and the drainage hole cannot keep up with the water, the water may pass through the gap. With the above configuration, the water that passes through the gap is received by one end of the contact holder. The one end of the contact holder and the other end of the joint support part form a labyrinth structure. This prevents the received water from leaking through the mating part between the contact holder and the joint support part.

[0015] The contact holder may have a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the one end toward the other side in the axial direction, and a second drainage hole that communicates with the inner space of the tapered portion and extends toward the other side in the axial direction.

[0016] With this configuration, water received at one end of the contact holder is collected in the radial center of the contact holder and flows through the second drain hole, preventing water from accumulating in the internal space of the body even if an excessive amount of water enters.

[0017] The switch portion may be held at the other end of the contact holder in the axial direction, and the second drain hole may be open on the other side in the axial direction relative to the switch portion.

[0018] According to the above configuration, water discharged through the second drain hole can be prevented from reaching the switch portion.

[0019] When the body is attached to a vehicle body, the drain hole may face downward.

[0020] According to the above configuration, water can be effectively discharged from the drain hole by its own weight. [Effects of the Invention]

[0021] According to the present invention, the waterproofness of the handle lock device can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a handlebar lock device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded perspective view of the handle lock device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the handle lock device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0024] 1 to 3, a handlebar locking device 1 according to an embodiment is applied to a vehicle such as a motorcycle. When the handlebar locking device 1 is mounted on a vehicle body (not shown), the axial direction of the handlebar locking device 1 is tilted relative to the horizontal. One side in the axial direction or the base end side (the lower right side of the paper in FIG. 1) is directed obliquely upward and exposed to the outside for ease of operation by the user. The other side in the axial direction or the tip end side (the upper left side of the paper in FIG. 1) is positioned lower than the one side in the axial direction and is disposed within the vehicle body.

[0025] In this embodiment, the steering wheel lock device 1 is a key cylinder type. The steering wheel lock device 1 includes a cylinder lock 3 as an example of an operated member that is rotated by a user who has a genuine key 2. The user can rotate the cylinder lock 3 integrally by picking up the genuine key 2 that they have and inserting it into the cylinder lock 3, and manually rotating the key 2.

[0026] The handlebar lock device 1 can perform various functions in response to the rotation of the cylinder lock 3. Such functions include, for example, switching the steering lock mechanism between locked and unlocked states, as well as starting and stopping the motor and switching whether or not power is supplied to electrical components. When applied to a motorcycle, such functions may further include switching the helmet lock mechanism between locked and unlocked states and switching the seat lock mechanism between locked and unlocked states.

[0027] The handle lock device 1 includes a cylinder lock 3, an inner joint 4, a contact holder 5, a switch unit 6, and a body 7. The body 7 forms an internal space 8 that houses the cylinder lock 3, inner joint 4, contact holder 5, and switch unit 6 lined up in this order from one side to the other. The body 7 is constructed by assembling multiple parts in the axial direction.

[0028] The components that make up the body 7 may include, from one side to the other, a ring 10, a first body 11, a second body 12, and an end cap 13. From one side to the other, the first body 11 and the second body 12 make up a cylindrical cylinder case 14, a joint case 15, and a cylindrical switch case 16. The cylinder case 14 is provided on the first body 11. The switch case 16 is provided on the second body 12. The ring 10 is attached to one end of the cylinder case 14. The end cap 13 is attached to the other end of the switch case 16.

[0029] The joint case 15 is configured in a box shape by a first half 15a provided on the first body 11 and a second half 15b provided on the second body 12. The first half 15a is open on the other side, and the second half 15b is open on one side. By combining the first half 15a and the second half 15b in the axial direction, the first half 15a and the second half 15b are integrated as the joint case 15 and form a closed space (hereinafter referred to as the joint space 8b). The inner joint 4 is housed in this joint space 8b.

[0030] The internal space 8 of the body 7 includes a joint space 8b, a cylinder space 8a adjacent to one side of the joint space 8b, and a switch space 8c adjacent to the other side of the joint space 8b. The cylinder space 8a is formed by a cylinder case 14 and houses the cylinder lock 3. The switch space 8c is defined by a switch case 16 and houses the contact holder 5 and the switch unit 6.

[0031] The cylinder lock 3 is cylindrical. The cylinder space 8a is open on one side, exposing one end face of the cylinder lock 3. An axially extending key hole 3a is provided inside the cylinder lock 3, and the key hole 3a opens on one end face of the cylinder lock 3. The cylinder lock 3 is a tumbler type, and the key hole 3a is spatially connected to the cylinder space 8a on the outer periphery of the cylinder lock 3 via the tumbler hole 3b. The ring 10 is fitted onto the cylinder case 14 at the other end and is open at one end. The key 2 is inserted into the key hole 3a via the ring 10. The ring 10 has an annular end face on which letters or patterns are applied to guide the user to the rotation operation position of the key 2.

[0032] The inner joint 4 has a base end mounting shaft 21 and a tip end mounting shaft 22. On the other hand, the other end of the cylinder lock 3 is formed in a cylindrical shape that is open on the other side, and the contact holder 5 has a central hole 5a that extends axially and is open on both sides at its center. The base end mounting shaft 21 is fitted inside the other end of the cylinder lock 3. The tip end mounting shaft 22 is fitted into the central hole 5a through one end opening of the central hole 5a. Both the base end mounting shaft 21 and the tip end mounting shaft 22 have non-circular cross sections (e.g., rounded rectangular). Therefore, when the cylinder lock 3 rotates, torque is transmitted from the other end of the cylinder lock 3 to the base end mounting shaft 21, rotating the inner joint 4. Furthermore, torque is transmitted from the tip end mounting shaft 22 to the contact holder 5, causing the contact holder 5 to rotate.

[0033] The inner joint 4 has a base end spring receiving portion 23 and a tip end spring receiving portion 24. The base end mounting shaft 21 protrudes to one side from the base end spring receiving portion 23. The tip end mounting shaft 22 protrudes to the other side from the tip end spring receiving portion 24. The base end spring receiving portion 23 and the tip end spring receiving portion 24 are disk-shaped or flange-shaped and protrude radially from the base end mounting shaft 21 and the tip end mounting shaft 22, respectively.

[0034] The base-end spring receiving portion 23 has an annular end face that surrounds the base-end mounting shaft 21. A base-end spring 41 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the base-end mounting shaft 21, with one end seated on the end face of the base-end spring receiving portion 23 and the other end seated on the support surface of the cylinder lock 3 (the other annular end face).

[0035] The tip spring receiving portion 24 has an annular end face that surrounds the tip mounting shaft 22. A tip spring 42 is fitted onto the outer periphery of the tip mounting shaft 22, with one end supported by the end face of the tip spring receiving portion 24 and the other end supported by the support surface of the contact holder 5. The support surface of the contact holder 5 is annular and surrounds one end opening of the center hole 5a.

[0036] The inner joint 4 is axially displaceable relative to the cylinder lock 3 and the contact holder 5. The inner joint 4 is elastically supported relative to the cylinder lock 3 and the contact holder 5 via a base end spring 41 and a tip end spring 42, and is biased to a neutral position. When the elastic forces of the base end spring 41 and the tip end spring 42 are balanced, the inner joint 4 is positioned in the neutral position.

[0037] The inner joint 4 has a cam portion 25 between the base end spring receiving portion 23 and the tip end spring receiving portion 24 in the axial direction. Although not shown in detail, when the inner joint 4 rotates, the cam portion 25 activates various mechanisms such as a steering lock mechanism, switching the state of each mechanism. In connection with the activation of the mechanisms, the inner joint 4 can also be displaced in the axial direction.

[0038] The inner joint 4 has a cylindrical wall portion 26 that protrudes from the outer periphery of the tip spring receiving portion 24 toward the tip side. The cylindrical wall portion 26 partially covers the tip mounting shaft 22 and a portion of the tip spring 42 from the outer periphery. The cylindrical wall portion 26 is fitted into a joint support portion 7a provided on the body 7 and is rotatably supported by the joint support portion 7a. The joint support portion 7a is cylindrical. The gap between the cylindrical wall portion 26 and the joint support portion 7a is narrow, so that when the cylindrical wall portion 26 rotates, the cylindrical wall portion 26 slides against the joint support portion 7a. This allows the inner joint 4 to rotate (spin on its axis) stably within the joint space 8b without swinging in the radial direction. The cylindrical wall portion 26 is fitted into the joint support portion 7a so as to be displaceable in the axial direction.

[0039] The second body 12 has a second half 15b and a switch case 16 adjacent to each other in the axial direction. The second half 15b partially defines the joint space 8b, and the switch case 16 defines the switch space 8c. The second body 12 has a partition 7b that axially separates the joint space 8b from the switch space 8c. The joint support 7a is provided in the center of the partition 7b and protrudes from the partition 7b on both sides in the axial direction. The cylindrical wall 26 is inserted into the joint support 7a through an opening at one end of the joint support 7a.

[0040] The tip spring receiving portion 24 is housed in the joint space 8b, and the contact holder 5 is housed in the switch space 8c. The tip mounting shaft 22 and the tip spring 42 pass from the joint space 8b through the joint support portion 7a, reach the switch space 8c, and are assembled to the contact holder 5.

[0041] The body 7 is provided with a drain hole 7c on one side of the joint support portion 7a, which connects the internal space 8 of the body 7 with the outside of the body 7. In other words, the drain hole 7c is provided on one side of the partition portion 7b. In this case, the drain hole 7c may be positioned on the other side of one end of the joint support portion 7a. When the handlebar lock device 1 is mounted on a vehicle body (not shown), the drain hole 7c faces downward.

[0042] In this embodiment, the drain hole 7c is provided in the second half 15b of the second body 12, and connects the joint space 8b to the outside. In this embodiment, the number of the drain hole 7c is, for example, one, and the form of the drain hole 7c is, for example, a substantially circular through-hole.

[0043] One end of the contact holder 5 is cylindrical and is fitted into the other end of the joint support portion 7a (the portion that protrudes from the partition portion 7b to the other side). The joint support portion 7a is on the inner peripheral side, and the contact holder 5 is on the outer peripheral side. The contact holder 5 has a tapered portion 31 whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases from this one end toward the other side in the axial direction. One end opening of the central hole 5a opens into the inner space of this tapered portion 31, and the central hole 5a extends continuously from the inner space of the tapered portion 31 to the other side in the axial direction.

[0044] The other end of the contact holder 5 is provided with a retaining portion 32 that holds the switch portion 6. The retaining portion 32 is cylindrical and short in the axial direction, with a bottom surface facing the other side and an inner peripheral surface. The switch portion 6 is composed of a movable contact 6a held on the bottom surface of the retaining portion 32 and a fixed contact 6b attached to a disk-shaped contact plate 46 that covers the retaining portion 32 in the axial direction. The contact plate 46 is engaged with the switch case 16 that surrounds the contact holder 5. When the cylinder lock 3 rotates, the movable contact 6a rotates in conjunction with the rotation, while the fixed contact 6b remains stationary with the body 7. This switches the electrical connection between the movable contact 6a and the fixed contact 6b. Depending on this switching, for example, the motor starts or stops. The fixed contact 6b is connected to a cable 47 that passes through the contact plate 46. The cable 47 is routed to the outside of the body 7 through a cable hole 13a provided in the end cap 13.

[0045] The contact holder 5 has a tubular portion 33 that protrudes axially from the center of the bottom surface of the holding portion 32. The tubular portion 33 has a second drainage hole 34 formed inside it that continues from the center hole 5a. The second drainage hole 34 is open at the other end. The second drainage hole 34 communicates with the center hole 5a at one end and with the inner space of the tapered portion 31 via the center hole 5a. A through hole 46a is provided in the center of the contact plate 46. The tubular portion 33 is inserted through the through hole 46a and protrudes toward the other side of the switch portion 6.

[0046] In the above-described steering wheel lock device 1, one end is angled upward and exposed to the outside for ease of operation by the user, so water can enter the key hole 3a or cylinder space 8a during rainfall or when washing the car. Because the steering wheel lock device 1 is tilted downward toward the other side, the water that has entered flows to the other side under its own weight and can flow into the joint space 8b.

[0047] The joint space 8b is axially separated by a partition 7b from a switch space 8c that houses the contact holder 5 and the switch unit 6. The inner joint 4 is supported by a cylindrical joint support 7a provided on the partition 7b so as to be able to slide and rotate. In other words, the gap between the inner joint 4 and the joint support 7a is very narrow.

[0048] On the other hand, a drain hole 7c is provided on one side of the joint support portion 7a in the body 7. In other words, the drain hole 7c is disposed on one side of the partition portion 7b.

[0049] Therefore, even if water enters the internal space 8 of the body 7, the water is urged to be discharged to the outside of the body 7 through the drain hole 7c before passing through the gap between the inner joint 4 and the joint support portion 7a. This prevents water from reaching the switch space 8c and the switch unit 6 housed therein. This improves the waterproofness and operational reliability of the handlebar lock device 1, particularly the switch unit 6.

[0050] When the body 7 is attached to the vehicle body, the drain hole 7c faces downward, so that water can be effectively discharged from the drain hole 7c by its own weight.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the drain hole 7c is adjacent to the partition portion 7b. Therefore, when water enters the internal space 8, the amount of water that remains without being drained can be reduced. This can prevent rust or corrosion of the components of the handle lock device 1.

[0052] If a large amount of water continues to enter the internal space 8 so that the amount of water entering per unit time exceeds the amount of water drained per unit time by the drain hole 7c, the water level in the joint space 8b may reach the height of the joint support part 7a. In this case, even though the gap between the inner joint 4 and the joint support part 7a is very narrow, water may flow to the other side through the gap.

[0053] One end of the contact holder 5 is fitted to the outer periphery of the other end of the joint support part 7a. Therefore, water that passes through the gap first flows into the inner space of the cone part 31. The contact holder 5 is fitted onto the joint support part 7a from the other side to the one side. Therefore, this fitting part forms a labyrinth structure between the inner space and outer space of the cone part 31. Water that has flowed into the cone part 31 can be prevented from leaking into the switch space 8c through this fitting part, and the switch part 6 can be prevented from getting wet with the leaked water.

[0054] The cross-sectional area of ​​the conical portion 31 gradually decreases toward the other side, and the inner space of the conical portion 31 communicates with the center hole 5a and ultimately with the second drain hole 34 at the other end and center. Therefore, water that flows into the conical portion 31 is collected toward the other side and center and guided to the second drain hole 34. The water is discharged through the other end opening of the second drain hole 34. The discharged water is discharged to the outside of the body 7 through the cable hole 13a. Because the other end opening of the second drain hole 34 is located on the other side of the switch portion 6, it is possible to prevent the switch portion 6 from getting wet with water discharged from the second drain hole 34.

[0055] In this way, even if a large amount of water enters, the action of the second drainage holes 34 can prevent the water from accumulating in the internal space 8.

[0056] The tip spring 42 is fitted onto the inner circumferential side of the cylindrical wall portion 26 and onto the outer circumferential side of the tip mounting shaft 22. This allows the tip spring 42 to elastically support the inner joint 4, while also narrowing the gap at the joint support portion 7a. Furthermore, the cylindrical wall portion 26 can prevent the tip spring 42 from being exposed to water, thereby preventing rust or corrosion of the tip spring 42.

[0057] Although the embodiment has been described above, the above configuration can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0058] The number of drainage holes 7c may be more than one. The multiple drainage holes 7c may be arranged at intervals in the axial direction or at intervals in the circumferential direction. The drainage holes 7c are not limited to being circular, and may have other shapes, such as a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

[0059] The body 7 may be divided into any number of parts. The joint support portion 7a, the partition portion 7b, and the drain hole 7c may be provided in any of the parts that make up the body 7.

[0060] The steering wheel lock device 1 may be of a smart key type. In this case, the operated member is a knob that is gripped and rotated by the user. When the user is near the vehicle with a legitimate key, the key is authenticated by the vehicle's onboard ECU (electronic control unit), which allows the knob to be rotated. The same effects as those described above can be obtained even when the operated member is a knob instead of the cylinder lock 3.

[0061] The handlebar lock device 1 can also be applied to vehicles other than motorcycles. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1. Steering wheel locking device 2 Key 3 Cylinder lock (operated member) 4 Inner joint 5 Contact holder 6 Switch section 7. Body 7a Joint support part 7c Drain hole 8. Interior Space 24 Tip spring receiving part 26 Cylindrical wall 31 Cone 34 2nd drain hole 42 Tip spring

Claims

1. an operated member that is rotated by a user who has a legitimate key; an inner joint that rotates integrally with the operated member; a contact holder that rotates integrally with the inner joint; a switch portion held by the contact holder; a body that defines an internal space that accommodates the operated member, the inner joint, the contact holder, and the switch unit, arranged in this order from one side to the other side in the axial direction; A steering wheel locking device comprising: the body has a joint support portion, the inner joint is fitted to the joint support portion and rotatably supported by the joint support portion, The body is provided with a drain hole on the one side in the axial direction relative to the joint support portion, the drain hole connecting the internal space with the outside of the body. Steering wheel locking device.

2. The joint support portion is cylindrical. The steering wheel lock device according to claim 1.

3. The inner joint is supported by the joint support portion so as to be slidably and rotatably supported. The steering wheel lock device according to claim 1.

4. a spring having one end supported by the inner joint and the other end supported by the contact holder; the inner joint has a spring receiving portion on which the one end of the spring is seated and a cylindrical wall portion covering an outer circumferential side of a part of the spring, and the cylindrical wall portion is fitted into the joint support portion; The steering wheel lock device according to claim 1.

5. one end of the contact holder in the axial direction is fitted to the other end of the joint support part in the axial direction, the one end of the contact holder and the other end of the joint support part form a labyrinth structure. The steering wheel lock device according to claim 1.

6. the contact holder has a tapered portion whose cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the one end toward the other side in the axial direction, and a second drain hole that communicates with an inner space of the tapered portion and extends to the other side in the axial direction, The steering wheel lock device according to claim 5.

7. the switch portion is held at the other end of the contact holder in the axial direction, The second drain hole is open on the other side in the axial direction relative to the switch portion.

7. The steering wheel lock device according to claim 6.

8. When the body is attached to the vehicle body, the drain hole faces downward. The steering wheel lock device according to claim 1.

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